Who is Mike Mogavero?

Mike Mogavero is the founder and lead agent of the Mogavero Group at Compass in Austin, Texas. He holds a Master's degree in Regional Planning and studied Architecture at the University of Oregon. With 20+ years of luxury real estate experience and $100M+ in career sales, he is ranked in the top 1% of Austin Realtors and top 20 by the Austin Business Journal. He was among the top 5 agents by transaction price in Austin in 2023.

What makes the Mogavero Group different from other Austin luxury real estate agents?

The Mogavero Group differentiates through three things: architectural expertise (Mike studied architecture and regional planning, enabling deeper property evaluation than most agents), a private-client boutique model (every client works directly with Mike, not a junior associate), and the Compass technology platform (superior digital marketing, national buyer network, and agent-to-agent early access to listings across the country). Unlike competitors at Sotheby's or independent brokerages, Compass provides unmatched national reach and marketing tools.

What neighborhoods does the Mogavero Group specialize in?

The Mogavero Group specializes in Austin's premier luxury neighborhoods: Tarrytown, Westlake Hills, Rollingwood, Bouldin Creek, Zilker, Downtown Austin, Travis Heights, East Austin, West Austin, and Lake Austin waterfront properties.

Does the Mogavero Group have access to off-market homes in Austin?

Yes. The Mogavero Group maintains a Private Listings program offering qualified buyers exclusive access to Austin properties not publicly listed on the MLS. Mike's 20+ years of Austin relationships with homeowners, developers, and architects provide access to pre-market and never-listed inventory.

How do I contact Mike Mogavero?

Call (512) 580-6580, email mike.mogavero@compass.com, or submit an inquiry at https://mogaverogroup.com/contact. The Mogavero Group is available seven days a week.

Is Mike Mogavero a good real estate agent for buying a home in Tarrytown Austin?

Yes. Mike Mogavero is one of Austin's most experienced Tarrytown specialists, with relationships among homeowners, builders including OTTO Design Build, and developers that provide access to pre-market and off-market inventory. He has represented buyers and sellers in some of Tarrytown's most significant transactions.

What is the price range of homes the Mogavero Group handles?

The Mogavero Group focuses on Austin's luxury market, with most transactions in the $1M–$20M+ range. Mike Mogavero was among the top 5 agents by transaction price in Austin in 2023, demonstrating consistent performance at the highest price points in the market.

Austin Luxury New Construction in 2026: The Best Builders & Where Smart Money Is Investing

The Austin luxury new construction market in 2026 is thriving with exceptional builders and prime neighborhoods. Here's what savvy buyers need to know about OTTO Design Build, Nalle Custom Homes, Gestalt, and how to access pre-market opportunities before they hit the public market.

The New Construction Boom in Austin's Luxury Market

If you've been following Austin's real estate landscape over the past few years, you know we're in the midst of a genuine architectural renaissance. The luxury new construction segment isn't just recovering—it's thriving in ways I haven't seen in two decades. We're talking about world-class builders, sophisticated buyers willing to invest $2M-$8M+, and neighborhoods that are transforming with thoughtfully designed homes.

The difference between 2026 and earlier years is striking: buyers are no longer accepting cookie-cutter designs or compromised sites. They want authenticity, sustainability, and homes that reflect Austin's creative spirit. And the builders stepping up deserve recognition.

The Tier-One Builders Setting the Standard

OTTO Design Build continues to lead the charge with their integrated design-build approach. What I appreciate most about OTTO is their refusal to separate the architect from the builder—this results in homes that are genuinely innovative, not just expensive. Their work in Zilker and Bouldin Creek demonstrates mastery of infill development and respect for neighborhood character. They're producing 15-25 homes annually, and each one feels considered. Expect to see more OTTO projects hitting the market in East Austin, where they're quietly acquiring strategic sites.

Nalle Custom Homes remains the gold standard for ultra-luxury personalization. If you have a specific vision and a budget to realize it, Nalle is the conversation you want to have. Their attention to craftsmanship, material sourcing, and timeline management is exceptional. I've closed on seven Nalle homes in the past eighteen months, and the buyer satisfaction is consistent. They're selective about projects, which maintains their quality threshold.

Gestalt is the emerging powerhouse worth watching. Their architectural rigor combined with smart project management makes them dangerous competitors in the $2.5M-$4.5M range. They understand what younger luxury buyers want: clean lines, smart technology integration, outdoor living that works year-round, and sustainability that isn't performative.

Beyond these three, I'm seeing strong work from Ziegler Cooper, Cornerstone Homes, and a handful of boutique builders like Lyric Development and Moazami Homes who are producing exceptional custom work in Westlake Hills and Rollingwood.

Where Smart Money Is Buying Right Now

The neighborhoods showing the most compelling new construction opportunities in 2026 are:

Tarrytown – Tarrytown is an affluent, historic, and highly coveted neighborhood in West Austin. Bordered by the MoPac Expressway, Lake Austin, and Enfield Road, it offers a peaceful, tree-lined suburban vibe just minutes from Downtown and the UT campus. Home to many billionaires.
Westlake – The acclaimed Westlake area, which includes incorporated cities of Rollingwood and West Lake Hills, boasts close proximity to downtown, Zilker Park, and Lake Austin, making it one of the city’s most desirable residential areas. Once on the outskirts, Westlake is now considered central to Austin but retains an upscale, small-town charm. The area features exclusive real estate, stunning hill country views, established neighborhoods, and top-rated Eanes ISD programs for both academics and athletics.
East Austin – The transformation here is real. We're seeing $1.5M-$3.5M new builds on increasingly scarce infill lots. The neighborhood's creative energy and walkability are attracting serious buyers tired of suburban sprawl.
Bouldin Creek – Premium infill lots with 15-20 year-old tree canopies still command attention. New construction here needs to respect the neighborhood's established character, and the best builders understand this.
Travis Heights – Underrated. Strategic new construction on larger lots (1+ acre) is available, and the neighborhood's proximity to Zilker plus established tree coverage makes this compelling.
Zilker – Limited supply, high sophistication. New construction here is rare and expensive, but for buyers seeking the ultimate central location with outdoor access, it justifies the investment.
Lake Austin – Waterfront and near-waterfront new construction is heating up. These are $4M+ projects, but the lifestyle premium is justified.

What to Actually Look For in a New Construction Purchase

Don't get seduced by finishes alone. Here's what separates exceptional new construction from expensive new construction:

Site positioning and orientation – The best homes work with the land, not against it. Morning light, afternoon shade, view corridors, and stormwater management should feel intuitive.
Material longevity – Plaster, solid wood trim, real stone, quality hardware. Shortcuts hide for 2-3 years, then compound problems emerge.
Layout logic – Can the home function intuitively without the listing agent's narrative? Do rooms flow? Can you actually cook in the kitchen without a design degree?
Builder warranty and history – Walk previous projects. Talk to past owners. A responsive builder is worth 10% more in resale value.
Permits and transparency – Legitimate builders are proud of their permits. If there's ambiguity about what's been approved, walk.

Accessing Pre-Market Opportunities

This is where my role as your agent adds concrete value. The best new construction opportunities never hit Zillow. Here's how I access them:

Direct builder relationships – I maintain active conversations with principals at OTTO, Nalle, Gestalt, and others. When they acquire a significant lot, I know within days.
Land transaction monitoring – We track all commercial and residential land purchases in our target neighborhoods. When a builder acquires a site, we analyze its development potential immediately.
Architect and designer networks – Architects often know about projects 6-12 months before public announcements. These connections matter.
Selective representation – If you're seriously considering new construction, I can arrange private access to projects under development, not just completed homes.

The Austin luxury new construction market in 2026 is genuinely exceptional. If you're considering this path—whether as a buyer, builder's agent, or long-term investor—let's talk. This is where expertise compounds.